The Dos and Don’ts of Environmental Sampling

By Ivy Cho 1.866.233.5884

ivyc@abcr.com

What is Environmental Sampling?

•  It is a risk assessment used to monitor the quality of the environment

•  The use of proper sampling methods is crucial for ensuring reliable and defensible data.

What do I do?

•  ABC Research Laboratories will provide you with a kit for environmental sampling, which includes the following supplies: –  Sponges or swabs –  Freezie packs –  Sample submission form – Written instructions for

sampling

The Dos

•  Fill out the sample submission form correctly with the analyses requested and clear descriptions of the samples – Note: The way the sample submission form is

completed will reflect your Certificate of Analysis

•  Place your sample submission form in a re-sealable bag to prevent it form getting wet

The Don’ts

•  Do not use the same sterile gloves for all environmental sampling – New sterile gloves must be used between

samples •  Do not ship your samples ambient,

warmer conditions will allow for higher microbial counts ― Place enough freeze packs to keep

the samples in refrigerated conditions

Steps to Proper Sampling

click here à Environmental Sampling Video

YouTube Video: How to Conduct Environmental Sampling

STEP 1 - Labeling

•  Label all sample bags with a sample number of the sampling site with a permanent marker

•  The sample number on the sample bag should match the sampling site description on the sample submission form

E.g. Sample #1 = large drain in facility room 4

Step 2 - Hygiene

•  What does the sampler need to do before wiping the sampling site? – Wear clean laboratory wear

(recommended) – Must wash hands to mid-arms with warm

water and antibacterial soap to mid forearm (see image)

Step 3 & 4

•  How to open the sample bag to swab –  Keep the sample bag closed –  Push the sponge up towards the

opening •  Be sure not to open the bag or touch

the sponge with your fingers to prevent contamination.

•  Use the red tabs at the top of the sample bag to open (this will help keep the bag open)

•  Place the opened bag on a clean surface

Step 5

•  With sterile gloves on (provided with the sampling bag), remove the sponge from the bag

•  Avoid touching the surface of the sponge with anything other than the sterile glove and the sampling site to be tested

Step 6 – For Sponges

•  Wipe the sponge over the target area described in your environmental monitoring plan – E.g. 10”by 10” target area, 10 tens

vertically (on one side) and 10 times horizontally (on the other side)

•  Avoid putting strong pressure while swabbing to prevent the sponge from crumbling

Step 7 – For Swabs

•  Wipe the swab over the target area described in your environmental monitoring plan – E.g. 2”by 2” target area, vertically (on one

side) and horizontally (on the other side)

Step 8

•  Place the sponge back in the sampling bag after wiping the target area –  Avoid having the sponge

touch the outside of the bag to prevent contamination

•  Secure the swab in its plastic tube without touching the edges or exterior of the tube

Step 9

•  After placing the sample back in the sampling bag, expel excess air from the bag

•  Take the wire on top of the sampling bag and fold over 3 or 4 times to close

•  Secure the bag by folding the attached wire in the middle and twist the end wires together –  For extra security, place the sample bag in a re-

sealable plastic bag

Step 10 - Shipping

•  Ship the sample overnight to ABC Research Laboratories in a sturdy insulated cooler

•  Samples must arrive in refrigerated conditions

Questions?

•  For additional information, please contact us at 352.372.0436 or visit our website at abcr.com